Gold for Heidelberg at the European University Rowing Championships

28 September 2007

After seven medals at the German University Championships Heidelberg has now established its international presence — Gold for the University of Heidelberg’s Ladies Four at the Rowing Championships in Banyoles (Spain)

The Ladies Four of the University of Heidelberg won gold at the European University Rowing Championships in Banyoles (Spain) this year. The team — Vera Dohmen, Jessica McAlear, Katlehn Rodewald and Katharina Fricke — triumphed convincingly over their rivals, including competitors from Oxford Brookes and Zurich. In July of this year they had already qualified for the European championships with a victory at the German University Championships and subsequently spent the summer months preparing for this new challenge.

The German Championships were extremely successful for Heidelberg’s 16-member team, who garnered a total of 7 medals, including bronze for the Men’s Eight and the Ladies’ Double Four, both boats manned exclusively by Heidelberg students. This has been a good season for the team, which is new to the circuit and came together solely on the initiative of its members. The University was largely represented by both active and former competitive rowing contestants, plus a number of new faces.

Next season, the team hopes to build on this success and qualify once again for the European Championships, both in the men’s and women’s sectors. Also, a number of preparatory regattas are planned at which relative newcomers can gain contest experience. As the training for these regattas has already started, the teams are at present a familiar sight on the Neckar river. All those interested in joining the rowing team are very welcome at any time.